Thousands of Afghan Refugees Deported from Pakistan and Iran
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Synopsis
Recent reports indicate that 613 Afghan families returned to their homeland from Pakistan and Iran in late February. The UNHCR highlighted the need for systematic and dignified returns to avoid chaos and deepening grievances between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries.
Key Takeaways
- 613 Afghan families returned from Pakistan and Iran.
- Iran expelled 501 families while Pakistan deported 112.
- Over 2.1 million Afghan refugees returned in 2024.
- UNHCR emphasizes dignified and organized returns.
- Historical grievances may lead to conflict if not addressed.
Kabul, March 1 (NationPress) Approximately 613 Afghan migrant families have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran from February 21-28, according to local media reports in Kabul.
The figures reported by Afghanistan's Amu TV indicate that Iran expelled 501 families, while Pakistan deported 112 families, either forcibly or voluntarily.
Earlier this week, Arafat Jamal, a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Afghanistan, informed TOLO news that over 2.1 million Afghan refugees have returned to Afghanistan in 2024.
Regarding the forced deportation and expulsion from Pakistan and Iran, Jamal remarked, "We need to collaborate with those nations and Afghanistan to ensure that returns are conducted systematically, fostering stability, economic growth, and peace within Afghanistan; this is our request."
He also emphasized the importance of treating individuals with dignity and ensuring that those wishing to return do so voluntarily. If their movement is not organized and does not contribute to stability, it could lead to chaos on both sides of the border.
Zakiullah Muhammadi, a professor at an Afghan university, warned that longstanding grievances between Afghanistan and these two countries might exacerbate and could potentially lead to conflict if the deportation process is not halted or a suitable framework is not established to guarantee the dignified return of Afghans.
For decades, fleeing from war and turmoil in their homeland, migrants from Afghanistan have sought refuge primarily in Pakistan and Iran. The return of Afghan refugees amid a worsening food crisis and instability in Afghanistan will only add to their challenges. Those Afghan refugees who are either expelled or forcibly deported have also encountered significant abuse and harassment in Pakistan.
